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A review by booksandladders
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
After thoroughly enjoying House of Salt and Sorrows, I eagerly dove into The Thirteenth Child, expecting another dark, immersive tale. Unfortunately, while it began with promise, I ultimately felt let down by the overall execution.
The book draws on the Grimm Brothers' "Godfather Death" and follows Hazel Trépas, a healer promised from birth to Merrick, the embodiment of Death. The concept is fascinating, and the dynamic between Hazel and Merrick is one of the highlights. Their relationship—complicated, poignant, and full of tension—stood out as the strongest part of the novel for me. Merrick's dual role as both protector and harbinger of Hazel's fate added emotional depth, and their interactions were some of the few moments that truly captivated me.
However, beyond that, the story faltered. The plot felt meandering, and despite its high-stakes premise—Hazel navigating a perilous court while making impossible choices—the pacing and character development left much to be desired. While Hazel’s internal struggle with her gift (or curse) was compelling at times, it lacked the emotional impact I had hoped for. Her choices felt almost “too easy,” especially toward the end. She wasn’t a young child anymore, and it was frustrating to see her make decisions that she knew would have dire consequences without much reflection. It just didn’t make sense to me.
The romance with Leo felt underdeveloped, and the court intrigue failed to deliver on its potential. For a story promising a sweeping fantasy saga, it missed the mark, as themes of morality, destiny, and identity didn’t resonate with the complexity I expected. It felt like the story was torn between being a dark fairy tale retelling and an epic fantasy but didn’t quite succeed at either.
That said, fans of atmospheric fantasy and fairy tale retellings might still find enjoyment in The Thirteenth Child, especially if they’re drawn to stories about fate and the choices we make. However, for me, it was a disappointment compared to Craig’s previous work.
After thoroughly enjoying House of Salt and Sorrows, I eagerly dove into The Thirteenth Child, expecting another dark, immersive tale. Unfortunately, while it began with promise, I ultimately felt let down by the overall execution.
The book draws on the Grimm Brothers' "Godfather Death" and follows Hazel Trépas, a healer promised from birth to Merrick, the embodiment of Death. The concept is fascinating, and the dynamic between Hazel and Merrick is one of the highlights. Their relationship—complicated, poignant, and full of tension—stood out as the strongest part of the novel for me. Merrick's dual role as both protector and harbinger of Hazel's fate added emotional depth, and their interactions were some of the few moments that truly captivated me.
However, beyond that, the story faltered. The plot felt meandering, and despite its high-stakes premise—Hazel navigating a perilous court while making impossible choices—the pacing and character development left much to be desired. While Hazel’s internal struggle with her gift (or curse) was compelling at times, it lacked the emotional impact I had hoped for. Her choices felt almost “too easy,” especially toward the end. She wasn’t a young child anymore, and it was frustrating to see her make decisions that she knew would have dire consequences without much reflection. It just didn’t make sense to me.
The romance with Leo felt underdeveloped, and the court intrigue failed to deliver on its potential. For a story promising a sweeping fantasy saga, it missed the mark, as themes of morality, destiny, and identity didn’t resonate with the complexity I expected. It felt like the story was torn between being a dark fairy tale retelling and an epic fantasy but didn’t quite succeed at either.
That said, fans of atmospheric fantasy and fairy tale retellings might still find enjoyment in The Thirteenth Child, especially if they’re drawn to stories about fate and the choices we make. However, for me, it was a disappointment compared to Craig’s previous work.